International Women's Day spotlight: Rebecca Burgess
- Jeanne Loganbill
- Mar 17
- 4 min read
This month, we’ve been celebrating the talented women of Interpolitan to mark International Women’s Day.
Today, we talk with senior executive assistant Rebecca Burgess. A keen strategist and stalwart diplomat who’s known for her empathetic approach to complex problems, Rebecca is a valuable member of the Interpolitan senior leadership team.
In this spotlight, she shares how her career has evolved, what’s pushed her forward and how she believes young women can set themselves up for success from the very beginning of their careers.
1. Have the opportunities in your career differed from those available to your mother or grandmother?
My grandmother was born in the 1930s and grew up during World War II, a time when opportunities for women were extremely limited. Corporate jobs were almost unheard of for women, with most roles centred around secretarial work, retail, nursing, or teaching.
However, when the war broke out, many teenage girls stepped into jobs left vacant by men – and my grandmother was one of them. She began working at just 15 and has shared many fascinating stories about her experiences across different fields. Despite the constraints of her time, she looks back fondly on her working years.
By the time my mother entered the workforce, opportunities had expanded. Women could vote, attend college and do work outside of the home. However, societal norms dictated that women stop working once they were married. Many of my mother’s generation dedicated themselves to raising children and managing households, playing nurturing roles behind the scenes. My mother had a brief but fulfilling career as a teacher before transitioning to full-time motherhood.
Today, the expectations have shifted almost entirely. Where women were once encouraged to stay at home, they are now expected to build careers and contribute to the workforce. It’s a fascinating transformation that highlights how much society has shifted over generations.
It almost seems like women had more career opportunities during and immediately after World War II than the generation that followed. For a brief period, women had a glimpse into a more equal working life, only to have that progress rolled back when society returned to normal.
2. Can you share a challenge or experience that shaped your growth or professional life?
One of my biggest challenges was starting my career at 18 and choosing not to follow the traditional university route. I was ambitious and eager to start earning, but I also felt I had to prove that I could build a successful career without a degree.
However, with that ambition came adversity. I encountered people in senior positions who tried to dampen my drive, and I often felt that, as a woman striving for success, my ambition wasn’t always welcomed. Interestingly, this resistance came from both men and women. It wasn’t necessarily about gender – it was more about the discomfort some people had with someone pushing forward so determinedly.
In the end, I really believe that joining Interpolitan was a turning point in my career. After years of hard work, I finally found an environment that provided a platform for growth. Working with Rishi, who has been a strong advocate for me, has made a huge difference. He’s truly encouraged and supported my development.
3. What do you think still needs to be done to level the playing field for women in business?
We've made significant progress in empowering women and providing opportunities for career growth. That said, I believe one way in which we can genuinely level the playing field is by shifting the focus from simply being a woman in the workplace to highlighting skills and value. Sometimes, women place so much emphasis on their gender that they forget to focus on what they bring to the table.
Beyond that, I think the real responsibility lies with those in executive and senior management positions – both men and women. It’s their duty to mentor and nurture the next generation, helping them progress within companies no matter who they are. That’s the most effective way to create a truly level playing field and encourage more women to enter and thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries like law and finance.
4. What is the most important piece of advice you would give to young women starting their careers?
Firstly, own your worth. Always believe in yourself and never let anyone make you feel otherwise. Don’t be afraid to speak up: if you’re in a room where you have something valuable to contribute, put your hand up and say it. You deserve to be there. Try not to let imposter syndrome get to you, because, at the end of the day, if you’re in that room, it’s for a reason – so own it and be confident in that.
Secondly, surround yourself with like-minded people. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned, both personally and professionally, is the importance of being around people who share your ambition, values and drive – people who encourage you and support your success. Building a strong, positive network like this can really boost your confidence and career growth.
Focus on what makes you great
We’d like to thank Rebecca for sharing her journey, valuable insight and good advice with us. Many of the ingredients for success come from within – for example, the belief that you deserve a seat the table and have something worthwhile to contribute. So, go for it, no matter what you do or where you are.
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